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Fuel Stations Are Deceiving Drivers! ANP Intensifies Inspections After Cases of Adulterated Gasoline and Scams That Can Damage Your Vehicle. Million-Dollar Fines Have Already Been Imposed, But Fraud Continues!
The fraud at fuel stations has become a constant concern for consumers and regulatory bodies.
In light of the increase in irregularities, the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) has expanded its oversight in several states, seeking to curb practices such as the sale of adulterated fuel and manipulation of fuel pumps.
One of the most recent cases occurred in Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, where a station was caught selling regular gasoline as if it were premium, deceiving consumers.
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In the state of São Paulo, a facility located on Avenida das Juntas Provisórias, in the southern zone of the capital, was shut down after ANP inspection, which identified irregularities in both fuel quality and pump operation.
Common Frauds and Severe Penalties
The most common scam perpetrated by stations involves the adulteration of gasoline with low-quality substances or excessive amounts of anhydrous ethanol, which harms vehicle performance and can cause severe engine damage.
Another frequent practice is manipulation of pumps, which causes consumers to pay for a larger quantity of fuel than what is actually being dispensed into the tank.
Establishments caught committing these irregularities are subject to fines ranging from R$ 5 thousand to R$ 5 million, in addition to the suspension of activities and possible revocation of state registration.
The penalty occurs after an administrative process, in which the owners have the right to defense, as provided by current legislation.
How to Report an Irregular Station
The collaboration of consumers is essential to combat these frauds.
Anyone identifying suspicious practices can make an anonymous report to ANP through the Ombudsman, by calling 0800 970 0267.
Additionally, other channels such as Procon and the Public Ministry can also be contacted in cases of irregularities.
To ensure that the report is more effective, it is recommended that the consumer keep the receipt of the refueling, as this document can serve as evidence in investigations and proceedings against violating stations.
How to Avoid Falling for Scams While Refueling
To reduce the risk of being deceived by adulterated fuels, drivers should take some precautions:
Choose Trusted Stations
Prefer known networks certified by Inmetro;
Check if the station has the ANP quality seal;
Be wary of prices significantly below the market average.
Quality Verification
Request a quality test of the fuel at the station;
Observe the transparency and color of the ethanol;
Check the ethanol percentage mixed with gasoline, which should be a maximum of 27%.
Always Request the Receipt
The receipt is proof of the refueling and can be used in cases of complaints.
The Damages of Adulterated Fuel
The use of low-quality fuels can cause severe damage to the vehicle’s engine, resulting in high maintenance costs. Among the most common problems are:
Increased fuel consumption, reducing the car’s efficiency;
Deposits of residues in the engine, which compromise vehicle performance;
Premature wear of spark plugs and fuel injectors;
Possible compromise of the catalytic converter, an essential component for reducing pollutants.
To avoid losses, drivers should be alert to signs such as loss of power, acceleration failures, increased consumption, and strange noises in the engine.
If they notice these anomalies, the recommendation is to seek a mechanic immediately to analyze the vehicle.
According to experts, given the rise in fraud at fuel stations, it is essential that drivers stay vigilant and report any irregularities.
ANP continues to expand its inspections to ensure consumer safety and the quality of fuels sold in Brazil.
To avoid losses and ensure the proper functioning of the vehicle, it is crucial to choose reliable stations, demand quality tests, and always request the receipt of the refueling.
In this way, drivers contribute to a fairer and safer market.
Os fabricantes de veículos devem instalar medidores de vazão na entrada do tanque de combustível. Essa deveria ser a lei contra fraudes no combustível.
Em particular eu só colocou alcool no meu veículo mas tudo nesse país da anarquia,todos nós estamos,sempre roubados em tudo, não existe justiça é um país do faz de contas porque as facções criminosas estão também nos postos de combustíveis e nas empresas de coletivos. Aqui é o país que só se preocupa em cobrar impostos!
Estamos abandonando a própria sorte.
Só temos Jesus Cristo para nos salvar!